NFA decision in Zahid graft case was not arbitrary - AG

KUALA LUMPUR - The decision to classify the corruption case involving Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Yayasan Akalbudi funds as No Further Action (NFA) was taken only after prosecutors had thoroughly reviewed six representations filed by the Umno president.

Attorney General (AG) Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar emphasised that the decision by the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) was not taken arbitrarily, stating that an NFA classification would never be issued without a full review of the facts, evidence and legal merits of the case.

"In their representations, Datuk Seri Dr Zahid’s lawyers raised certain factual and legal issues. Upon reviewing it again, we determined that further investigation was warranted, which ultimately led to the NFA decision," he explained.

"The discharge is absolute because we exercised our powers under Clause 145 of the Federal Constitution. So, when we close it and state it definitively, that is it. No further action," he told reporters after the Opening of the Legal Year 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre, here today.

On Jan 8, the AGC decided to take no further action on the 47 charges of criminal breach of trust, corruption, and money laundering relating to Yayasan Akalbudi funds faced by Zahid, after a review of all case materials and new evidence obtained.

In a statement, the AGC said that following Zahid’s Discharge Not Amounting to an Acquittal (DNAA), a more detailed investigation was conducted by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), covering the source of the funds, how they were obtained, and how they were used.

Earlier in his speech, Mohd Dusuki highlighted the AGC's significant contribution in reforming the separation of the roles of Attorney General and Public Prosecutor.

"On Sept 10, 2025, the Cabinet agreed to adopt a full separation model, with both offices held by different individuals of equal status. The Cabinet also endorsed the tabling of the Federal Constitution (Amendment) Bill in the 2026 Parliament session.

"To implement the Cabinet’s recent decision, the AGC  has reactivated the Working Committee and several sub-committees, established in 2018, to refine detailed proposals on organisational structure, staffing, logistics, financial considerations, and phased implementation strategies," he said. - BERNAMA